Walmart updates select flagships with new, stylish look

Walmart has introduced some store changes in select locations.

The retail giant has remodeled five locations with a new look that includes brighter lights, fashion-forward mannequins and updated displays of makeup, pet supplies and others, reported CNBC. The stores are located in Teterboro and North Bergen in N.J.; Yaphank, N.Y.; Quakertown, Pa..; and Hodgkins, Ill., with another on the way, in Secaucus, N.J.

Last year, Walmart unveiled a new in-store experience at its incubator location (Store 4108) in Springdale, Ark., with the company saying at the time that the goal was to make Walmart a destination where customers want to spend their time. The update was the second phase of a redesign that Walmart introduced in fall 2020 and was eventually rolled out to thousands of locations.

While the first phase focused primarily on wayfinding and navigation, the second phase included such physical elements as updated lighting and mannequins, space enhancements and dynamic displays.

The new design highlighted a “store within a store experience.” The baby department, for example, featured elevated displays showcasing all the items needed to create a dream nursery as well as strollers and car seats that are brought out of the box to allow for test drives.

In addition, more space was given for customers to explore and discover the breadth and depth of the store’s offering. The assortment was optimized to elevate storytelling that draws customers in.

Now, Walmart is apparently introducing some of those changes to its other stores. Walmart VP of marketing, store design, innovation and experience Alvis Washington told CNBC that it is time to bring the look to other markets based on positive feedback in Arkansas.  

“They appreciate the fact that we’re still true to who we are as Walmart,” he said. “Great prices. But then also we now have these new brands that we’re actually showcasing in inspirational ways.”

To read the full CNBC story, click here.